Irish music icon Dónal Lunny dies at 79
Oct 23, 2026 · 13m
Summary
This episode reports on the death of Irish music icon Donal Lunny at age 79, featuring interviews with arts correspondent Evelyn O'Rourke and musician Noel Eccles. They discuss Lunny's pivotal role in the Irish traditional music revival, his innovative work with bands like The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts, and his legacy as a producer and multi-instrumentalist. The segment highlights his lack of ego, his ability to blend traditional roots with modern influences, and his enduring impact on global music.
Topics discussed
Announcement of Donal Lunny's passing
Evelyn O'Rourke reflects on Lunny's legacy and age
Innovation: The bouzouki and Andy Irvine
Purity of music and the formation of The Bothy Band
Lunny as a producer and early career in the 1960s
Origins in Kildare and the Prosperous album
Global reach and the 'Bringing It All Back Home' series
Documentary, film scores, and school friends
Revolutionizing Irish music and lack of ego
Lifetime Achievement Award and decade-long recognition
Embracing modern technology and studio work
The Bothy Band reunion concerts
Transition to audio clip: Planxty performance
Audio: Planxty - Raggle Taggle Gypsy
Conclusion of audio clip
Introduction of Noel Eccles, friend and colleague
Assessing Lunny's influence on other musicians
Collaboration with Moving Hearts and classical background
Wexford Opera House memories and recent projects
Recent conversations and illness
Reflection on the August documentary
Lunny's focus on music over financial success
Trajectory of Irish music over four decades
Influence of The Bothy Band and Planxty
Moving Hearts: Departure from tradition
Developing Moving Hearts and 'Bringing It All Back Home'
Audio: 'Bringing It All Back Home' title track
Noel Eccles on the creative process of the track
Studio memories and filming the performance
Lunny's unique approach to song titles
Closing remarks and condolences
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